A French politician has questioned whether the United States should be allowed to host the FIFA World Cup following renewed controversy surrounding Donald Trump’s political positions and foreign policy rhetoric.
The comments add to a growing international debate about whether global sporting events should be insulated from geopolitical tensions.
French politician questions World Cup hosting after Donald Trump’s actions
Speaking amid renewed criticism of Donald Trump’s conduct on the international stage, French politician Eric Coquerel raised concerns about staging the World Cup in the United States.
“Seriously, one imagines going to play the World Cup in a country who attacks its ‘neighbours,’ threatens to invade Greenland and rides roughshod over international law,” Coquerel said.
Coquerel’s remarks came as part of a broader European reaction to comments and positions associated with Trump, which have reignited debate about the political environment surrounding the 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Why Greenland has become part of the political debate
Donald Trump’s connection to Greenland dates back to his first presidency, when he publicly confirmed interest in the United States purchasing the Danish territory in 2019. The proposal was rejected by Denmark, which reiterated that Greenland is not for sale.
Since then, Greenland has remained a subject of political discussion due to its strategic importance in the Arctic, where the United States already maintains a military presence at Pituffik Space Base under long-standing agreements with Denmark.
There is no evidence of any formal plan by the United States to invade or seize Greenland. However, Trump has repeatedly spoken about expanding American influence and security interests in the region, rhetoric that critics argue undermines international norms and fuels diplomatic unease.
FIFA has so far shown no indication of revisiting the hosting arrangements for the 2026 World Cup, but comments from political figures across Europe suggest that the intersection of football and global politics will remain under close scrutiny in the years leading up to the tournament.
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